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Falcons Game Day Report: Week 1 predictions, injury updates

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 23: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to facing the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 23: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to facing the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Game day has arrived in Atlanta as we're just hours away from the most anticipated Falcons season opener in recent memory. The Pittsburgh Steelers are in town and have brought some familiar faces. Former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith returns seeking revenge against the team he spent three years building.

Atlanta has roughly the same core but added some serious firepower on both sides of the ball. Kirk Cousins has replaced Desmond Ridder at quarterback. Plus, the team added two Pro Bowlers to their defense by trading for outside linebacker Matthew Judon and signing safety Justin Simmons.

Who will win Sunday's matchup? How can fans watch the game? What players have been ruled out? Find out the answers to these questions and more in our Falcons game day report below:

Week 1 Game Info: Watch, Listen Stream

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Injury Updates: Wilson to try and play?

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The Falcons ruled out cornerback Antonio Hamilton for Sunday's game, but tight end Kyle Pitts and linebacker Nate Landman are good to go. Pitts was limited on Wednesday before logging full practices on Thursday and Friday. Pittsburgh ruled out guard Isaac Seumalo, defensive lineman Logan Lee and wide receiver Roman Wilson. Quarterback Russell Wilson is questionable and will be a game-day decision. Wilson has said he plans to do everything possible to get himself ready. Justin Fields would get the start for the Steelers if Wilson can't play.

Practive Squad Elevations: WR Chris Blair, DB Kevin King

American Football - NFL - Atlanta Falcons v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 1, 2023 Atlanta Falcons' Chris Blair and KhaDarel Hodge look dejected after the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
American Football - NFL - Atlanta Falcons v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 1, 2023 Atlanta Falcons' Chris Blair and KhaDarel Hodge look dejected after the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

The Falcons announced their two practice squad elevations on Saturday, promoting wide receiver Chris Blair and defensive back Kevin King for Week 1. Blair shined in the preseason and nearly made the initial 53-man roster. Atlanta ruled out Antonio Hamilton (groin) and King is a logical replacement. The Falcons only kept five receivers and five cornerbacks on the roster so there's a chance both players see the field on Sunday.

Falcons vs. Steelers: Game/Score Prediction

Aug 23, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) warms up on the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) warms up on the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons are favored by 3.5 points over the Steelers entering Sunday's game. With Russell Wilson's status up in the air, I think Pittsburgh's offense could struggle to find a rhythm. Justin Fields is more of a dual threat, however, his style may not mesh well with Smith's playcalling. The Falcons had a chance to draft the Georgia native when Smith was in Atlanta but took Kyle Pitts instead.

The Steelers have multiple first-year starters on their offensive line and are missing guard Isaac Seumalo. While Pittsburgh's defense is no slouch, Atlanta is a more complete team. Kirk Cousins will throw for over 200 yards in his Falcons debut and lead the team to a Week 1 victory.

Final Score Prediction: Falcons 24, Steelers 20

Falcons Week 1 Inactives List (Check back at 11:30 A.M. ET)

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This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons Game Day Report: Week 1 predictions, injury updates